Luke 1:35

Authorized King James Version

And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀποκριθεὶς

G611

answered

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἄγγελος

G32

the angel

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

εἶπεν

G2036

and said

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτῇ

G846

unto her

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Πνεῦμα

G4151

Ghost

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

ἅγιον

G40

The Holy

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

ἐπελεύσεται

G1904

shall come

to supervene, i.e., arrive, occur, impend, attack, (figuratively) influence

#10

ἐπὶ

G1909

upon

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#11

σέ

G4571

thee

#12

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#13

δύναμις

G1411

the power

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)

#14

ὑψίστου

G5310

of the Highest

highest, i.e., (masculine singular) the supreme (god), or (neuter plural) the heavens

#15

ἐπισκιάσει

G1982

shall overshadow

to cast a shade upon, i.e., (by analogy) to envelop in a haze of brilliancy; figuratively, to invest with preternatural influence

#16

σοι·

G4671

thee

to thee

#17

διὸ

G1352

therefore

through which thing, i.e., consequently

#18

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#19

τὸ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#20

γεννώμενον

G1080

which shall be born

to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate

#21

ἐκ

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

#22

σοῦ

G4771

thou

#23

ἅγιον

G40

The Holy

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

#24

κληθήσεται

G2564

shall be called

to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)

#25

υἱὸς

G5207

the Son

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

#26

θεοῦ

G2316

of God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Luke Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Luke chapter 1 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

Related Resources

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Luke 1:35

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

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